"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Cherokee Youth Council Holds Elections

"The Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council: Pictured are *Front Row-L-R:* Taylor Keen, Tribal Council Member At-Large; Tierrah Bird, District 2; Katilyn Wallis, District 8; Jurene Bakke, District 6; Jade Hansen, District 5; Christina Hanvey, District 2; and Michelle Locust, District 3. *Back Row-L-R:* Cory Still, District 1; Kinsey Shade, District 1; Brittney Ward, District 6; Rebyl Richardson, District 8; J.C. Lowe, District 4; John Brooks, District 3; and
Reba Bruner, Advisor."

TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA – Looking toward the future, the Cherokee Nation recently held elections for Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council.

“The Cherokee Nation believes it is important to implement programs that will enhance our government in years to come,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “These young council members will be potential leaders in the future. In order to ensure our continued success as a government and as a people we must prepare our young people today.”

The Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council was established during a youth conference in the summer of 1989. Members of the council act as role models for Cherokee youth, provide a voice for young Cherokee citizens, develop experience for future council and tribal leaders, and help educate Cherokee youth. Current council members include: Kinsey Shade, Cory Still, Christina Hanvey, Tierrah Bird, John Brooks, Michelle Locust, J.C. Lowe, Jade Hansen, Trevor January, Jurene Bakke, Brittney Ward, Danielle Culp, Rebyl Richardson and Katilyn Wallis.

According to Reba Bruner, advisor for the Cherokee Nation Youth Council, there are a lot of responsibilities associated with the council member positions.

“Each council member will hold meetings in their district,” said Bruner. “They participate in community service work, present workshops at conferences and schools and assist with Cherokee Nation program and activities.”

“We are modeled after the big council,” said Kinsey Shade, youth council member. “I would encourage other young Cherokees to consider running for office. It’s a great way to learn about our culture and our government. I think what most people don’t realize is that it is not just work, but that we have a good time, too.”

Applicants must be of Cherokee descent, provide a copy of a Certificate Degree of Indian Blood issued by the Cherokee Nation, be enrolled in either high school, an undergraduate degree program or a vocational training program and maintain a grade point average that is acceptable to the institution of which they are attending. In addition, applicants must be willing to meet monthly.

“There is more to being a council member than just filling out the application,” said Bruner. “Prospective councilors must file for election and submit a filing fee. They are elected by their districts not appointed by our office. Each councilor serves a two-year term and sacrifices social time in order to represent their districts. I am proud of each of these young people and admire their dedication to their Cherokee culture and government.”

For more information about the Cherokee Nation Tribal Youth Council and their activities, call 918-453-5397.